"Wilbur, the Hayes family is just facing temporary difficulties..." I said cautiously, and my voice was hoarse.
After a sleepless night, I was on the brink of collapse.
"Temporary?" Wilbur sneered. He finally raised his head.
His charming eyes now held nothing but undisguised disdain. "Alina Hayes, the Hayes family owes the bank four billion dollars, and it is insolvent. Your father had a stroke and is in the ICU. It's uncertain whether he'll wake up. You're just a huge liability now."
He stood up and advanced towards me.
He looked down at me as if staring at a dying insect. "The Chapman family doesn't do charity. We certainly have no use for a daughter-in-law like you, as you only know how to shop for handbags, pamper yourself at spas, and bring absolutely no business value to the table."
The door to the room swung open, and a few of Wilbur's friends walked in.
They held champagne in hand and wore smug smiles.
One of them said, "Oh, hasn't she signed yet? Miss Hayes, you should know your place. Wilbur's put up with you for three years. That's more than enough."
Another chimed in, "Exactly. Look at the Hayes family now. How could your family ever match the Chapman family? Just sign the divorce papers. Don't delay Wilbur's welcome dinner for Nora."
Nora Clarke.
Hearing her name, I felt so much pain in my heart.
She was Wilbur's true love.
Three years ago, the Hayes family was influential, and the Chapman family drove her away and let Wilbur marry me.
Now, with the Hayes family fallen, Nora returned with accolades.
The timing was perfect.
"So that's how it is," I murmured, lowering my gaze to read the divorce papers.
The terms were harsh.
I would leave with nothing but the clothes on me.
Even my dowry was seized by Wilbur as compensation for business losses.
"Stop acting like a martyr, Alina." Wilbur tapped the table impatiently. "Sign the divorce papers. For the sake of the three years of our marriage, I'll give you a flight ticket abroad. Never come back. I don't want to see you again."
I lifted my head to look at him, whom I had loved for three years.
I had learned to do housework and hide my brilliance for him.
I even gave up a chance to study at a top design academy for him.
But in his eyes, I was just a frivolous spender.
"Fine." I picked up the pen.
My hand trembled, but I signed resolutely.
The name "Alina" was crooked, much like the twisted and ridiculous marriage between us.
"I don't need the flight ticket." I put down the pen and pushed the divorce papers back. "Wilbur, I wish you and Miss Clarke a long and happy life together."
Wilbur took the divorce papers, glanced at the signature, and gave a satisfied smile. "Smart choice."
Cheers erupted around us, accompanied by the sound of champagne bottles popping.
"Wilbur, you finally get rid of that burden."
"We celebrate till dawn today."
Amidst the celebratory noise, I turned and walked out of the prison that had held me for three years.
The rain poured down.
It was cold and biting in the late autumn.
I had no umbrella. Nor did I have my car.
I only had a flimsy coat and a few hundred bucks in cash.
Standing in the rain, I looked back at the brightly lit villa.
At the window on the second floor, Wilbur held a wine glass and basked in his friends' praises.
He smiled so happily, which I'd never seen before.
Apparently, shedding me truly made him happy.
I touched my flat belly.
It had once nurtured an unborn baby.
I got the confirmation just yesterday and planned to surprise him.
It was unnecessary now.
Rain mingled with tears trickled into my mouth, leaving me a bitter taste.
I took out my phone and dialed a familiar number.
It was from the hospital.
"Doctor, I agree to the operation. As soon as possible."
After I hung up, I removed the phone card and tossed it into the gutter.
"Wilbur, since you see no value in me, I'll let you know whether you will even be able to match me when I prove my worth."